News


EAGLE - IMPLEMENTATION "LATE CANCELLATION FEE" - AS FROM FEB 2022


Please note that we’ve been informed by Eolis Belgium, as agents for Eagle, that they will implement with immediate effect a “late cancellation fee” as follows:

  • Eolis Belgium will invoice € 200,- per container/unit (for both dry and reefer containers) that is cancelled after 10h00 (CET) on the Friday prior to the vessel’s sailing date.

Trust having informed you sufficiently but in case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

VERY IMPORTANT / NEW REGULATIONS FOR LOADING CONTAINERS AT GERMAN SUPPLIERS/COLDSTORES


We have recently been informed of the following new regulations when loading at German loading sites:

According to new regulations from the German government, starting as from 24.11, all facilities in Germany are allowed to follow the 3G principle (in German: geimpft, genesen, getestet).

This means customers places will have the right to check at the entrance for:

  • vaccination – proof of complete vaccination protection – QR code or vaccination card
  • recovery – proof of recovery after a positive test or expired official quarantine notice (status expires 6 month after positive test)
  • test – proof of certified test: Anti-Gen test – validity 24 hours or PCR test – validity 48 hours (no self-test allowed)

As you can read from the above the individual loading sites / suppliers / cold stores are not obliged to impose the 3G principle but can decide to do so individually.

We therefore must urge you to verify for every booking / transport order with your supplier and clearly mention on your booking if the loading site imposes (yes or no) this new regulation.

Failure to do so could lead to a container not being able to be loaded with a lost transport as a result.

Eagle: notice to the trade (GRI)


Please note we’ve been informed, as per attached ‘notice to the trade’, that Eagle (Transit Fruits) will enforce a General Rate Increase on all reefer cargoes from Antwerp & Portsmouth to West-Africa as from November 8th (BL date).

> Download notice Eagle

In case you have any questions/remarks, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

EQUIPMENT IMBALANCE (SUR)CHARGE – CMA CGM Reefer Cargo from Europe to West- & East-Africa


Please note that we’ve been informed Friday late afternoon by CMA CGM that they will increase the ‘so-called’ EQUIPMENT IMBALANCE (SUR)CHARGE for ALL reefer cargo shipments from Europe to West- & East-Africa as from May 15th 1st (BL date).

The ‘new’ amount of the EQUIPMENT IMBALANCE (SUR)CHARGE will be as follows:

  • EUR 400,- per 20’rf / USD 500,- per 20’rf
  • EUR 500,- per 40’hcrf / USD 600,- per 40’hcrf

Of course we have shared our concern with CMA CGM immediately (yesterday morning) and are awaiting their reaction.

> More info on cma-cmg.com

Trust having informed you sufficiently but in case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

SAMWAF service will cease its operations with immediate effect


Please note that we’ve been informed today 08/04/2021 that the direct service from East Coast South America to West & South Africa operated by CMA CGM & Nile Dutch (SAMWAF service) will cease its operations with immediate effect.

The 2 remaining/last sailings on this service will be as follows:

  • Polonia voy 04K8RE1MA (loading week 17) -> capacity however will be drastically reduced (& as per today no empty equipment has been allocated to this vessel!)
  • Stralsund voy 04K8VE1MA (loading week 20) -> capacity however will be drastically reduced

We will inform you more in detail as soon as we have more news with regards to an(y) alternative service layout CMA CGM and/or Nile Dutch will offer from East Coast South America to Africa in the near future.

> Download advisory

Trust having informed you sufficiently but in case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

NILE DUTCH CANCELLATION FEE


Please note that Nile Dutch will re-instate its cancellation fee policy with immediate effect & until end April 2021 as follows:

“cancellation fee” for all sailings in April 2021. The scope of the “cancellation fee” is as follows:

  • All European ports incl. outports
  • All destinations
  • Amount: EUR 250 per container
  • Applicable for any container cancelled or postponed to another sailing:
    - For dry containers: later than 5 days before the closing of the vessel.
    - For reefer containers: later than 4 days before the closing of the vessel.

Best regards
NileDutch Belgium

We had already formally protested against this policy of enforcing a cancellation fee (first time already in december 2020) but given the current pressure on both empty equipment and vessel space, Nile Dutch once again decided to ignore our complaints.

Trust having informed you sufficiently but in case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

EAGLE LINER OUT (THC) INCREASE FOR ALL TEMA (GHANA) IMPORTS


Please note that we’ve been informed by Transit Fruits / Eagle that, following an increase of the Tema port tariffs by the Ghana Ports and Harbours authority effective for all container cargo arriving at Tema port as from March 1st 2021, they will increase their LINER OUT RATE (THC) as from February 22nd (BL date).

The amount of the new LINER OUT CHARGE (THC) will be as follows:

  • EUR 420,- per 40’hcrf (versus EUR 360,- per 40’hcrf today)

Subsequently the LINER OUT rate for TEMA shipments on EAGLE shall increase by EUR 60,- per 40’hcrf as from the vessel COTE D’IVORIAN STAR sailing week 8 (ETD Antwerp 25/02).

> The Notice of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority

> The Notice to the trade as send by Transit Fruits / Eagle (in French and English)

Trust having informed you sufficiently but in case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE – MAERSK LINE Reefer Cargo from India to West-Africa


Please note that we’ve been informed only this morning by Maersk Line that they will implement a Peak Season Surcharge for ALL reefer cargo shipments from India to West-Africa as from February 1st (BL date) as per attached ‘customer advisory’.

The amount of the Peak Season Surcharge will be as follows:

  • USD 500,- per 20’rf
  • USD 1000,- per 40’hcrf

Of course we have shared our concern with Maersk Line immediately BUT Maersk stresses that no exceptions will be made and PSS will be applicable in full.

> Download the Customer advisory

Trust having informed you sufficiently but in case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE – Nile Dutch


On top of its cancellation policy Nile Dutch will, for all NEW bookings as from today December 1st 2020 (and until further notice), implement a PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE as follows:

Dear valued customer

Please note that Nile Dutch has decided to implement a “Peak Season Surcharge” for all new bookings as from 1/12/2020. The booking confirmation date is leading.

The scope of the “Peak Season Surcharge” is as follows:

  • 20dv / 40HCRF / special equipment / OOG cargo
  • All European ports POL incl. those outports
  • All destinations
  • Amount: EUR 200 per container

Met vriendelijke groeten / Best regards / Cordialement

NileDutch Antwerp

As this surcharge was only announced yesterday evening (close of business), we have not had the chance yet to protest the implementation and have no choice as to advise you like wise / accordingly.

Very best regards.

In case you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

CANCELLATION FEE/POLICY – Nile Dutch


Please note that Nile Dutch will (further) enforce (and extend) its cancellation fee policy until end December 2020 as follows:

“cancellation fee” for all sailings in December 2020.

The scope of the “cancellation fee” is as follows:

  • All European ports incl. those outports connecting on these sailings
  • All destinations
  • Amount: EUR 250 per container
  • Applicable for any container cancelled or postponed to another sailing:
    • For dry containers: later than 4 days before the closing of the vessel.
    • For reefer containers: later than 7 days before the closing of the vessel.

NileDutch Belgium

We had formally protested against this policy of enforcing a cancellation fee but given the current pressure on both empty equipment and vessel space, Nile Dutch decided to ignore our complaints.

Very best regards.

In case you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Peak season surcharge - MSC Reefer Cargo from North/West Europe to West-Africa


Please note that we’ve been informed by MSC that they will implement a Peak Season Surcharge for ALL reefer cargo shipments from North Western Europe** to West-Africa as from October 26th (BL date).

The amount of the Peak Season Surcharge will be as follows:

  • € 200,- per 40’hcrf
**= North Western Europe (= all Atlantic ports), Scandinavia, Poland & Baltic.

In case you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Cargo tracking not (CTN) for all cargo to/from Sierra Leone


As per attached notice of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, we wish to advise you that the issuance cost for the Cargo Tracking Note for all shipments to/from Sierra Leone will no longer be payable to the Carriers/Shipping Lines via a surcharge on top of the sea freight invoice commonly referred to as ‘ENS filing’ and/or ‘Destination Certificate Charge (DGC)’.

Instead shippers and/or consignees need to handle this via the new CTN website operated by LSS (Logistics Solution Services). For more information, please visit > https://ctn-sl.sgs.com

In case you want Mareco to issue this CTN on your behalf, please find herewith a recapitulation of the tariff for container shipments handled by and paid by Mareco (from all origins):

Mareco administration/intervention:

  • USD 35,- per CTN
    +
  • Validation:
    USD 105,- per 20’ and/or USD 210,- per 40’

> Download the official notification as send by SLPA

For cost related to shipments that Mareco did not handle, please contact your account manager at Mareco's sales team.

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Douala emergency congestion surcharge


Please note that we were advised by MSC headquarters that they will be increasing the EMERGENCY CONGESTION SURCHARGE for all containers (both dry & reefer) from EUROPE to DOUALA port with effect as from BL date 6th April 2020 (until further notice).

The surcharge amounts will be:

  • € 150,- per 20’
  • € 300,- per 40’

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Mareco Antwerp Belgium Douala port surcharge

PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE – CMA CGM Reefer Cargo from Europe to West-Africa


Please note that we’ve been informed by CMA CGM that they will implement a Peak Season Surcharge for ALL reefer cargo shipments from Europe* to West-Africa as from April 1st (BL date).

The amount of the Peak Season Surcharge will be respectively:

  • € 200,- per 20’rf
  • € 200,- per 40’hcrf

* = Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Poland, Baltic, West Med & Adriatic

> Read more on CMA CGM (North Europe)

> Read more on CMA CGM (West Med & Adriatic)

Trust having informed you sufficiently but in case of questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

Maersk Line’s BAF/EFF announced increases as from March 1st (sailing date)!


Please note that we’ve been informed by Maersk Line of the following:

During recent weeks, bunker prices have been sky-rocketing due to supply/demand challenges on VLSFO (0.5% Sulphur fuel oil), reaching levels above 700 USD/TON. Such increase means more than 20% increase compared to the last time the bunker surcharges (BAF & EFF) were adjusted.
This means there will be an increase for the EFF & BAF levels as from the 1st of March 2020 on all trade lanes of which we would like to highlight the following:

1. Europe – West Africa (EFF):

  • 162,- per 20’dry container
  • € 323,- per 40’dry container
  • € 242,- per 20’reefer container
  • € 485,- per 40’reefer containerv

2. India – West Africa (EFF):

  • USD 270,- per 20’dry container
  • USD 540,- per 40’dry container
  • USD 405,- per 20’reefer container
  • USD 809,- per 40’reefer container

3. East Coast South America – West Africa (BAF):

  • USD 615,- per 20’dry container
  • USD 1230,- per 40’dry container
  • USD 923,- per 20’reefer container
  • USD 1846,- per 40’reefer container

 

Hereby some background on Maersk’s ‘trigger’ policy:

20200212_maersk_mareco

As communicated during Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) and Environmental Fuel Fee (EFF) roll-out, we introduced an extraordinary trigger to capture the volatility on bunker prices. The description on the trigger is as follows:
If the average fuel price in a month (calculated from 26th in one month to the 25th in the next month) is more than 50 USD/ton higher/lower than the fuel price used for the last tariff calculation, this will trigger a tariff adjustment. The new tariff will be announced with 30 days’ notice, i.e. if a review was triggered by end of January, the new BAF tariff would be effective 1st March.

For this specific review, the period used will be26 DEC’19 to 25 JAN’20 and compared versus following figures:
- BAF: Average bunker price from 26 AUG’19 to 25 NOV’19 (537,99 USD/TON)
- EFF: Average bunker price from 26 SEP’19 to 25 OCT’19 (547,37 USD/TON)

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

CMA CGM Douala port congestion surcharge


We want to inform you that CMA CGM will implement a congestion surcharge to the port of Douala (Cameroon) as from the 15th of February 2020.

20200212_mareco_douala

> Download the official notification as send by CMA CGM

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Mareco Antwerp Belgium Douala port surcharge

Mareco NV opened a liaison / representative office in Turkey

Beginning January 2020 Mareco NV opened a liaison / representative office in Turkey.

Based in the city of Izmir, the office is managed by Mr Sercan Gencer assisted by Mrs Cagla Dilan Oztürk who both have extensive experience in the local freight forwarding market.

Turkey has been playing an ever increasing role in the worldwide protein production and export market over the last decade and we’re convinced that this new set-up will allow us to strengthen our service both from and to Turkey.

Mareco Office Turkey Izmir

IMO 2020 REGULATION - CUTTING SULPHUR OXIDE EMISSIONS - REMINDER

Refering to our previous mailing dd 27/09, we would like to remind you that the new regulation as set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) with the aim of cutting sulphur oxide gas emissions is fastly approaching.

As previously stated, and in order to be 100% in line with the new regulation as from January 1st 2020, all carriers will start taking the necessary measures as from December onwards and this will come at a cost – either by an increase of the existing BAF surcharge or by the implementation of a new surcharge on top of the existing freight and freight surcharges.

As the cost picture and possibly the implementation date will vary between carriers and trade routes, we kindly ask you to stay in close contact with your regular Mareco contact(s) and (double)check your rates and rate validities in case of doubt. Some carriers have started to send us the cost picture as well as the timing (and we believe most will follow over the coming days) and our commercial team is at your full disposal in order to keep you updated of any evolution in the matter.

Mareco Antwerp Belgium IMO 2020

CMA CGM Peak Season Surcharge for reefer shipments from Europe to Abidjan & Dakar


Please note that we’ve been informed as per the attached announcement that CMA CGM is implementing a Peak Season Surcharge for ALL reefer cargo from Europe to Abidjan & Dakar as from November 1st (BL date).

The amount of the Peak Season Surcharge will be respectively:

  • € 75,- per 20’rf & € 150,- per 40’(hc)rf

We had initially disputed/protested against this surcharge but unfortunately in vain…

> Download the official notification as send by CMA CGM

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Mareco Antwerp Belgium Dakar port surcharge

CMA CGM Douala peak season surcharge


Please note that we were advised by CMA CGM headquarters that they will be implementing a PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE for all containers (both dry & reefer) from EUROPE to DOUALA port with effect as from the 1st November 2019 (until further notice).

The surcharge amounts will be:

  • € 75,- per 20’ & € 150,- per 40’ or
  • USD 85,- per 20’ & USD 170,- per 40’

> Download the official notification as send by CMA CGM

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Mareco Antwerp Belgium Douala port surcharge

Measures taken by the Belgian ports/customs to restrain shipments without valid customs/exports documents


We would like to draw your attention to the below important communication as received from the ASV (= Antwerp Shipping Association).

As from 1st of January 2020, in all Belgian ports a policy of ‘no customs document = no loading’ will be applied. Every customs document, without exception, will need to be announced and registered via the e-desk platform (as per below link) prior shipment. Failure to register the document in time will result in a short shipment of the cargo.

Communication by ASV:

> ASV website > Dutch pdf > French pdf > English pdf > German pdf > E-desk

In case Mareco issues the customs document, our customs agents will make sure that the document is correctly registered on the e-desk platform.

For the suppliers that issue their own export documents though, please make sure that they register the document correctly before the deadline that will be communicated with the booking confirmation. In order to avoid possible shortshipment. In case you want Mareco to register a customs document that has not been issued by our services, we can assist in registering the document at a fee of € 20,- per document.

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Mareco Antwerp Belgium ASV

IMO 2020 REGULATION - CUTTING SULPHUR OXIDE EMISSIONS (Q&A)


From January 1st 2020 onwards, all seagoing vessels will have to reduce sulphur oxides by 85%. The new regulation is set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) with the aim of cutting sulphur oxide gas emissions, protecting public health and supporting the environment. Vessels must use marine fuels with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% compared to the current limit of 3.5%.

Please find herewith a brief Q&A regarding this new worldwide regulation to the maritime industry. We kindly ask you to read/consult this Q&A carefully as the new regulation will have a significant impact on the whole industry.

What is the scope of IMO 2020?
The regulation will apply globally and throughout the industry to fuels used in the open sea. It will affect vessel operators, refineries, and global oil markets. In the Environmental Control Areas (ECA zones) an even stricter regulation remains, limiting the sulphur content to 0.1%.

How can vessel operators comply with the IMO 2020 regulation?
Vessel operators have the following choices to comply with the new IMO 2020 sulphur limits:

  • 1. Use Scrubbers
    Use Scrubbers (emission cleaning technology) to remove pollutants from the ship’s exhaust, which allows them to continue using higher-sulphur fuels. However, the process of installing Scrubbers is limited and expensive due to space and capacity constraints and will increase operating costs. In addition, the price and availability of higher sulphur fuels after 2020 remains uncertain.
  • 2. Switch to non-petroleum-based fuels
    Switch to non-petroleum-based fuels, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). This is feasible for newer vessels with appropriate specifications. However, the infrastructure to support the use of LNG is currently limited in scope and availability. Experts predict that by 2020 approximately 250-500 vessels, or a maximum of 10-12% of the global container fleet, will either be equipped with pollution cleaning technology or will be able to burn LNG. [Source Clarksons Research – June 2019]
  • 3. Switch to a Very Low Sulphur Fuel (VLSF) or MGO
    Switch to a Very Low Sulphur Fuel (VLSF) or MGO that complies with the new rules (Most likely choice). However, the cost, widespread availability and specifications of a new fuel for use in marine engines are still uncertain. The petroleum industry needs to adapt refineries and supply chains and is likely to pass these costs on to the market.

Who controls the implementation of the IMO 2020 regulation?
The Port State Control of the respective state is responsible. They will check logbooks, use sniffer devices and sniffer drones.

What will be the fine if a carrier does not comply with IMO 2020?
Depending on the jurisdiction, the penalties are high fines, ship arrest or even imprisonment of the captain.

What are the impacts and risks?
At this stage all we can predict is that it will cost more than currently used fuels. Today’s forecast assumes a short- to midterm increase in bunker prices but cannot be specified any further at present, as the aspects mentioned have a large influence on the price development. Due to the significant increase in bunker prices, every company involved in sea freight will be confronted though with rising and more volatile fuel costs.

What impact will IMO 2020 have on health and environment?
With the implementation of IMO 2020, the International Maritime Organisation aims to reduce total sulphur emissions from ships by 77% from 2020 until 2025. The overall objective is to reduce the negative impact of shipping on human health by decreasing air pollution from sulphur emissions by 68% globally and in particular in the coastal areas of Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America.
Please note that the IMO 2020 regulation focusses on the reduction of sulphur emissions, not on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. So there will not be a direct impact on the global warming, but reducing sulphur emissions helps prevent acid rain and combats ocean acidification.

What will be the impact on freight rates and operations?
According to current calculations, the expected increase in costs will have a significant impact on the overall prices of container transportation and on freight rates. Whilst the implementation date for IMO 2020 is January 1st 2020, we anticipate freight rates to increase as early as November 2019. Therefore, long-term agreements for both full and part load containers will include a price adjustment method also known as Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF).

When and how will the extra costs for IMO 2020 compliance be charged?
As from November/December 2019, when the cleaner bunker will be used by the first ships.

What is the Low Sulphur Surcharge (LSS)?
In the dedicated Environmental Control Areas (ECA) in Northern Europe, North America and parts of Asia, the use of even cleaner fuel with a sulphur content of 0,1% is mandatory. This fuel is even more expensive and will be priced separately.

Will there be extra surcharges for large shippers from the carriers?
The IMO 2020 regulation applies to everyone, regardless of the shipped volume. Fuel consumption values (Trading Factors / Bunker Adjustment Factor BAF) apply equally to all too.

Will there be a ‘grace period’ from January 1 for the current 3.5% sulphur being used by ships?
No. All seagoing vessels have to comply with the new rule from January 1st 2020.

In case you have any questions with regards to this Q&A, please don’t hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts.

Mareco Antwerp Belgium IMO 2020

BESC/ECTN COTONOU


Please be informed that, according to info received from both CMA CGM & Grimaldi, the Beninese authorities will reinforce the BESC/ECTN regulation as from September 1st.
It seems that if the BESC/ECTN number does not appear on the Bill of Lading, CONSIGNEE will NOT be able to perform customs clearance. Consequently BESC/ECTN number should be done before vessel departure and BESC number has to be added on the body of the Bill of Lading.

Please do not hesitate to contact your regular Mareco contacts should you need further details.

Please download document in French, it mentions that BESC/ECTN number must appear on the BL and formalities must be done prior loading at the port of departure.

> Download document

Mareco Antwerp Belgium

Loading Certificates for cargo with final destination Angola (CNCA)


We have the pleasure to inform you that the validation fees for Loading Certificates for cargo with final destination Angola (CNCA) have been decreased (= halved) as per 1st of July 2019 by the Presidential Decree n°189-19.
The complete documentation, required documents and payment conditions remain unchanged.

Please download our updated waiver tarification sheet including these updates validation fees to Angola ranked per origin. We do remind you that these tariffs only apply to bookings handled by Mareco. For bookings not handled by Mareco, all waiver costs are to be requested on spot basis.

> Download updated waiver tarification

Maersk: THC from/to Belgian and German ports


Please note we have been advised by Maersk Line that they will be changing their export & import reefer THC amounts from/to Belgian and German ports as from July 1St 2019 (sailing date).

In case of questions/remarks, please don’t hesitate your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

Mareco Maersk Antwerp Belgium, Germany

Nile Dutch: THC from Antwerp & Rotterdam


Please note we have been advised by Nile Dutch that they will be changing their THC amounts for loading from Antwerp & Rotterdam for all dry and reefer containers as from July 1St 2019 (sailing date).

In case of questions/remarks, please don’t hesitate your regular contact(s) at Mareco.

Mareco Nile Dutch Antwerp Rotterdam